BRUNSWICK — Marilyn R. McLain, 90, died Jan. 1 in Bath.

McLain was the third child of Victor C. and Rena McNevin Ramsdel, born in Lubec on August 12, 1922.

She attended Lubec schools until the age of 12 when her grandfather moved the family and the business, Ramsdell Packing Company, to Rockland. She graduated from Rockland High School in 1940, later attending Gorham Normal School and The Fannie Farmer Cooking School in Boston.

In late November of 1940, after his return from service in World War II, she married Walter “Bill” McLain of Bremen. They became members of the Winter Street Congregational Church and later, after moving to Brunswick, First Parish Church. 

She loved every holiday that required cards, gifts and decorations and was generous to those she loved. Having grown up in a large family, where frugality and hand-me-downs were an unquestioned necessity, she loved to shop for new clothes. Her outings to the Maine Mall and to Macy’s were a favorite weekly entertainment.

The colors of the sky at sunset, flowers from the garden, the green grass of spring, the wild birds and the brown eyes of her granddaughters were sources of continuing joy for McLain.

The family would like to thank Mary Henenfent of Brunswick, McLain’s friend and caregiver, who was devoted to helping bridge the difficult transition from home to assisted care. They would also like to thank the staff at HillHouse for their humor, diversion and love.

McLain was predeceased by her parents; her husband; a sister, Charleen Ramsdell Boyne; and a brother, Bernard Ramsdell.

McLain is survived by a daughter, Paula Harvard and her husband, Regis Tremblay; granddaughters Kate Harvard and Shelagh Harvard and her partner, Matt Karosik; a brother, Ellis Ramsdell; a sister, May Ramsdell; sister-in-laws Erdine Ramsdell and Louise Yates; and many nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held at Achorn Cemetery in Rockland in the spring.